Tuesday, January 12, 2010

January Jingles: My Baby Loves... CLOSED



At almost a year and a half old, my "baby" is not so much of a baby anymore. But it doesn't seem like that long ago, we were battling colic and buying any lullaby CD we could find to try and soothe our cranky little man. Thankfully, he grew out of it sometime around 3 months old, but we were left with the nightmares of incessant screaming and piles of useless, nerve-grating instrumental albums that we would likely never listen to again. We discovered the Rockabye Baby series, which we absolutely love and and still use for the occasional naptime or bedtime wind-down. But what if pop music is more your thing?

Then you're going to love the My Baby Loves... collection. Created by two young, music-minded parents-to-be who were disappointed with the predictability of infant lullabies, My Baby Loves... seeks to fill the gap and engage both parents and children with their instrumental renditions of pop classics.

I'm an 80's baby so I grew up with banana clips, leg warmers and a crimping iron (don't deny it - you know you had them too!) And since this 4-CD set contains all the monster hits from this era, I am swooning. Young parents in their twenties and early thirties will be able to identify with each album.

Track Listing:

1. Borderline
2. Crazy For You
3. True Blue
4. Papa Don't Preach
5. La Isla Bonita
6. Cherish
7. Material Girl
8. Holiday
9. Into The Groove
10. Little Star



Track Listing:

1. Man In The Mirror
2. Black Or White
3. Human Nature
4. The Way You Make Me Feel
5. Smooth Criminal
6. Billie Jean
7. Wanna Be Starting Something
8. Bad
9. Beat It
10. I Want You Back



If you're going to honor the 80's, you can't leave out the King and Queen of Pop. You just can't. Madonna and Michael Jackson are icons who may have gained fame in the 80's but their albums are timeless. Listening to these lullaby renditions brought me right back to my childhood. I could almost always identify the song without looking at its title, just by listening to the instrumentals. I found myself singing the lyrics as I listened. It was a soothing yet enjoyable experience. My favorite tracks from both albums were "Holiday", "Into The Groove", "Man In The Mirror", "Beat It" and "Human Nature".

I have to say I was a wee bit disappointed that the Madonna CD did not include "Lucky Star" or "Like A Virgin". Okay, I can maybe understand rejecting the latter due to the song's subject matter (even though mama loves it!) but the former would have been perfect for a lullaby! Or how about "Open Your Heart"? I would have liked to see another song or two on the album to consider it a complete tribute.

The song selection on the Michael Jackson album was better, in my opinion. But I would have loved to hear a lullaby version of Thriller, wouldn't you?! Guess I'll have to anxiously await that undertaking. However, this album would be a great posthumous addition to any M.J. fan's media library, and a fun way to share "Smooth Criminal" with your little one without frightening them.

Wait, that's not all! I also received the other two CD's in the My Baby Loves... collection to review:

Track Listing:

1. Eternal Flame
2. Flashdance (What A Feeling)
3. Don't Stop Believing
4. Axel F
5. Time After Time
6. Jessie's Girl
7. Livin' On A Prayer
8. 99 Red Balloons
9. Sweet Dreams
10. Down Under



Track Listing:

1. Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer
2. Jingle Bell Rock
3. Frosty The Snowman
4. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
5. Deck The Halls
6. Silent Night
7. Jingle Bells
8. Let It Snow
9. Little Drummer Boy
10. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus


As legendary as they may be, Madonna and Michael Jackson can't define pop music alone. There were so many other tunes from the past that us 80's babies can't resist. Well, the folks at My Baby Loves... have compiled an album full of all the chart-topping hits we love, including songs from artists like Cyndi Lauper to Bon Jovi. Did you ever think you'd hear "Axel F" from Beverly Hills Cop as a lullaby? Me neither! I have to admit that Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl" and Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" stole my heart and were my favorite renditions from this CD.

The My Baby Loves...Christmas collection did not make me break out the rubber bracelets but it was a welcome addition nonetheless. As I've mentioned in previous reviews, I love Christmas music. The familiar melodies put me in the holiday spirit and naturally emit joy and warmth. So, I was thrilled to get this CD just in time to celebrate the winter season. The album captures the essence of Christmas and packages it in sweet lullaby fashion. Nate loves "Jingle Bells" and lights up everytime we sing it to him, so it was only natural that he wanted us to play that track over and over. I really liked "Jingle Bell Rock" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", but I thought all of the songs were well-done and would make the perfect soundtrack for a baby's first Christmas.

Bottom line: I think any lucky baby would fall in love with the My Baby Loves... collection. They should call it "My Family Loves..." because it's something parents and older children can enjoy too.

BUY IT: You can purchase any or all of the My Baby Loves... albums on Amazon (ARV $12.98-$15.98) or download them from iTunes. Look out for My Baby Loves...Motown and My Baby Loves...Hip Hop coming soon!

WIN IT: My Baby Loves... very generously gave me all four CD's to review but since we have such a large lullaby collection already, I'm going to give away my copy of the My Baby Loves...The 80's CD at my own expense! (Please keep in mind that this CD has been opened and played once, but has been lovingly cared for and is free of scratches or smudges.)

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me your favorite 80's song. It doesn't have to be included on the CD - I just want to reminisce! Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Add my blog button and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

4.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

I'm an Editor's Pick!

Giveaway will end on January 26, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was sent the above four My Baby Loves... CD's from MaryLenore at BopStar P.R. to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are purely my own, and your experience may differ.

82 comments:

Benita said...

I liked Cherish.


bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

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Benita said...

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Benita said...

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Benita said...

I entered the Tropical Traditions Giveaway.


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justicecw said...

My favorite is Wham's Wake Me Up (Before You Go)
thanks, justicecw@hotmail.com

justicecw said...

I am an email subscriber
justicecw@hotmail.com

justicecw said...

Follow on twitter and tweeted at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/7775457631

justicecw said...

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Benita said...

I entered Roger Days Why does Gray Matter?

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Benita said...

I entered Cathy and Marcie's Banjo to Beatbox.

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Benita said...

I entered Elvis 75.

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Ginny said...

I was a huge Madonna & Michel Jackson fan, but I have to say my all time favorite 80's song is Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This by the Eurythmics

Ginny said...

Entered the Zarbees cough giveaway

Ginny said...

Entered EvoraPlus giveaway

Ginny said...

Entered Cottonelle Giveaway

ky2here said...

Time after Time - Ms. Lauper

Amber said...

Come On Eileen is my favorite '80s song!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

mverno said...

jingle bell rock mverno@roadrunner.com

Jennifer Wilson said...

I think I'd pick "Greatest Love Of All"

jenndiggy at gmail dot com

Jennifer Wilson said...

I follow.

jenndiggy at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

My favorite 80's song has to be "Rio" by Duran Duran. I know... it takes you right back to 1980-something...

renski17@fortaj.com

Unknown said...

Wake Me Up Before you Go GO! Wham!!
My favorite band!!!

Unknown said...

stephwesley@gmail.com

smilekisses said...

Anything Bon Jovi sings!!
dolniaks[at]consolidated[dot]net

Unknown said...

I have so many songs I love from the 80s but my fave that I remember singing when I was little was "papa dont preach" I was a huge madonna fan

nicolemb2010(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

subscribed by email

nicolemb2010(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

following you on twitter @alyssasmom9807

tweet http://twitter.com/alyssasmom9807/statuses/8016149799

nicolemb2010(at)yahoo(dot)com

Julie said...

Back on the road again by REO Speedwagon

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

Entered Zarbee's contest

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Katrina said...

Walk this Way

ykatrina at hotmail dot com

I loved tha 80s!

littlelatina said...

I like my baby loves christmas

Wehaf said...

Stand by R.E.M.!

urchiken at gmail dot com

megan said...

I'm still in love with Jon Bon Jovi and my favorite song is Livin on a Prayer.

Benita said...

I entered Animals Giveaway.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Nicole said...

I love Walk this Way! and Welcome to the Jungle!

Nicole said...

I follow you!

Devon said...

I have too many favorites from the 80's! Bruce Springsteen, Dire Straits, Bob Seger... ok.. maybe I'm hanging onto the 70's with those... but I'd have to say probably FOOTLOOSE by Kenny Loggins. I remember calling in to the local radio station to request that song.. until FINALLY I got the movie soundtrack!!

Devon said...

I am now a follower of your blog!! :)

Victoria said...

So many great 80s songs that it's hard to choose one favorite. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper stands out for me though. utgal2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

Donna said...

I loved Tainted Love, Love Shack were some of my faves! I love everything 80's!!!!!!

Molly C. said...

I like 99 Luft Balloons.

Molly C. said...

Following you on google friends

*~Dani~* said...

Thriller by Michael Jackson. Hands down.

Shooting Stars Mag said...

Livin on a Prayer. I love it.

-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

Shooting Stars Mag said...

i follow your blog

lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

Shooting Stars Mag said...

i entered the elvis 75 giveaway

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Amy said...

Love Material Girl.
atndwj@gmail.com

Meet the Browns said...

My fave is Come On, Eileen!

Katie
showbizkp[at]gmail[dot]com

Meet the Browns said...

I follow on Blogger :)

Katie
showbizkp[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Oh gosh, how can I pick one favorite 80s song? It's impossible!

Anything by Journey!
Faith by George Michael
The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson
The Pina Colada Song
Jessie's Girl
Anything Bon Jovi!

Can you tell I'm an 80s child?! ;-)

robin@lolidots.com

Anonymous said...

blog follower!

robin@lolidots.com

mscoffee77 said...

My favorite 1980's song is "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go"!

mscoffee77(AT)juno(DOT)com

dispatcher_kristy said...

I love sooooo many songs from the 80's...especially the ones that were on movies like footloose and dirty dancing. One of my favorite songs is "Total Eclipse of the Heart"

dispatcher_kristy@Hotmail.com

erma said...

I like Thriller by Michael Jackson.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

breanna said...

anything by wilson phillips!! (that was '80s right?)

breanna said...

tweeted! http://twitter.com/_breanna/status/8207077627

chazvgo said...

"I just cant get enough" :)

Birdson said...

My fav 80 tune is Beat It !!!!!! birdson@roadrunner.com

Birdson said...

I follow U on GFC birdson@roadrunner.com

Birdson said...

Im already an email subscriber of YOURS !!!!!!! birdson@roadrunner.com

Birdson said...

I entered the YoYo Ma giveaway birdson@roadrunner.com

kerri69 said...

I love the safety dance

susansmoaks said...

i loved sister christian

dreamcleavers said...

dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
my favorite 80s song is Wild Boys by Duran Duran

dreamcleavers said...

dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
i follow you
dreamcleavers

Darcie K. said...

I love anything Prince. Maybe Purple Rain.
dmkayes@gmail.com

Darcie K. said...

I follow via GFC\
dmkayes@gmail.com

Darcie K. said...

I entered the Roger Day's Why Does Gray Matter? giveaway
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Darcie K. said...

I entered the Elvis giveaway
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Kathy P said...

i love bon jovis livin on a prayer :)

Kathy P said...

http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/8250568760

saturdaynightfever said...

Esacpe ( The Pina Colada Song )!

edgenemmers@gmail.com

liliesrnice said...

Human by Human League is my favorite!

Unknown said...

Uptown Girl-Billy Joel is my fave. garrettsambo@aol.com

cman said...

Cold Shower by Kixx

lilyk said...

My favorite 80's song is A Little Respect by Erasure.

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Benita said...

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Benita said...

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